NFIB/Alabama Director Speaks Out Against State Minimum Wage

Date: March 13, 2014

NFIB/Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash has told lawmakers that a proposed state constitutional amendment to create a state minimum wage would hurt small business.

Elebash said small-business owners typically spend 70-80% of the revenue on wages, lease payments, taxes and licenses. She said even a modest increase in the state minimum wage would likely lead to layoffs and make it harder for businesses to expand and create jobs.

Rep. Darrio Melton (Selma) has proposed for a state constitutional amendment that would increase the hourly wage to $9.80 over the next three years.

Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and South Carolina are the only states that do not have a minimum wage. The federal minimum wage is $7.25.